Polished rod rotator with height adjuster

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods are provided for rotating the sucker rod strings of pumping equipment and adjusting the vertical position of the sucker rod string. The apparatuses can include a threaded tubular rod carrier or spindle and a polished rod can run through the rod carrier. The rod carrier can be held in place along the rod with a locking mechanism on the upper and lower ends of the rod carrier. A rotator can surround the rod carrier, and the rotator can include a wheel and a main thrust bearing, the wheel being in threaded connection with the threads of the rod carrier and supported by the main thrust bearing. The rotation of the wheel relative to the rod carrier can result in vertical movement of the rod and the vertical movement of the rod can be accomplished without disengaging the means for fixing the rod carrier to the rod.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/564,832, filed Oct. 6, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,605,014, which is anational stage application under 35 U.S.C. 371 and claims the benefit ofPCT Application No. PCT/CA2016/050311 having an international filingdate of Mar. 18, 2016, which designated the United States, which PCTapplication claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/144,618 filed Apr. 8, 2015, the disclosure of each of which areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is related to the field of oil wells and wellheadequipment, and more particularly to oil wells where extraction iscarried out by using pumping equipment with reciprocating sucker-rods.

BACKGROUND

During oil well operation, a bottom-hole pump is typically actuated by astring of sucker rods; the uppermost rod is known as the polished rod orpolish rod. To accomplish the pumping action from the well,reciprocating motion is provided to the sucker rod string by suspendingthe polish rod from a rocking beam by means of a suitable hanger.

The vast majority of oil wells have deviations from the vertical axis.Therefore, reciprocating motion of the sucker rod string in wellsresults in uneven wearing of both the sucker rods and well tubing.Intermittent rotating action (usually clockwise direction looking downthe well) can be provided by a rod rotator to rotate the sucker rodstring, resulting in a more even wearing of the sucker rods and welltubing. Further, this rotation can prevent unwanted unscrewing of rodsand, when used in conjunction with rod scrapers, can reduce the build-upof wax and paraffin on the surfaces of tubing and sucker rods.

A polished rod is typically supported by a thrust bearing within therotator by the means of a polished rod clamp. The clamp is used tocreate a friction connection with the polished rod and prevent it frommoving downwards through the cylindrical opening in the rod rotator.

Vertical positioning adjustment between the string and the hanger isnecessary from time to time. However, this is only possible byrepositioning the polished rod clamp on the polished rod.

Unlike the reciprocating and rotary movements, which have been subjectto numerous technological advancements over time, the verticalpositioning adjustment has received little attention. The operation of avertical positioning adjustment is a technically challenging operationrequiring a high degree of skill. It also carries a significant amountof risk due to the possibility of failure of the friction connectionbetween the polished rod clamp and polished rod, which can result in thepolished rod, and the sucker rod string, falling downhole and leading todamage of the downhole equipment.

Accordingly, there is need to provide a method and apparatus that canovercome the short-comings of the prior art with respect to verticalheight adjustment. More particularly, an apparatus is needed that canprovide an improved method of vertically restraining the polished rodwhile offering convenient and safe vertical positioning adjustment ofthe sucker rod string.

SUMMARY

Apparatus and methods are provided for rotating sucker rod strings ofpumping equipment and adjusting the vertical position of the sucker rodstring. In some embodiments, the apparatus can include a tubular rodcarrier or spindle, which can be threaded on its external surface. Apolished rod can run through the rod carrier. In some embodiments, therod carrier can be held in place along the polished rod with a lockingmechanism, for example, by taper lock bushings or standard polished rodclamps, on the upper and lower ends of the rod carrier.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, an apparatus is provided foradjusting the vertical position of a polished rod of a pump, theapparatus comprising: a tubular rod carrier for receiving the polishedrod therethrough, the rod carrier having external threads; means forfixing the rod carrier to the polished rod; and a rotator surroundingthe rod carrier, the rotator comprising a wheel and a main thrustbearing, the wheel being in threaded connection with the externalthreads of the rod carrier and supported by the main thrust bearing;wherein the rotation of the wheel relative to the tubular rod carrierresults in vertical movement of the polished rod and wherein thevertical movement of the polished rod is accomplished withoutdisengaging the means for fixing the rod carrier to the polished rod.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a rotation unit can be positionedalong the threaded rod carrier. In some embodiments, the rotation unitcan comprise a worm wheel threaded to the rod carrier. A worm can beconfigured to intertwine with the worm wheel and a lever can bepositioned proximate one end of the worm so that adjustment/swinging ofthe lever can result in rotation of the polished rod.

In some embodiments, the wheel is a worm wheel engaged by a worm. Insome embodiments, the means for fixing the rod carrier to the polishedrod comprises a locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the lockingmechanism comprises a taper lock. In some embodiments, the lockingmechanism comprises a polished rod clamp. In some embodiments, theapparatus further comprises an adjustment locking mechanism comprising across member to engage a support cable of pumping equipment. In someembodiments, the worm is functionally attached to a lever to allow anoperator to rotate the worm using the lever. In some embodiments, therotator further comprises a ratchet mechanism positioned between thelever and the worm. In some embodiments, the rotator comprises anadditional ratchet mechanism positioned proximate an end of the wormopposite of the lever. In some embodiments, the worm comprises a splinedworm shaft. In some embodiments, the rotator comprises a casing toshelter the wheel. In some embodiments, the casing comprises a removabletop cover.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a method is provided for adjustingthe vertical position of a polished rod of a pump, the methodcomprising: releasing a locking mechanism between a rotator wheel and arod carrier; holding the polished rod in place to prevent rotation ofthe polished rod around its vertical axis; and adjusting the verticalpositioning of the polished rod by rotating the rotator wheel in adesired direction; wherein the polished rod and the rod carrier are notseparated during the adjustment of the vertical positioning of polishedrod.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a method is provided for adjustingthe vertical position of the sucker rod string comprising: releasing alocking mechanism; using a back-up wrench or similar device to preventrotation of polished rod; rotating the worm in the desired direction toadjust the vertical position of the polished rod. In some embodiments,the lever can also be used to adjust the height by flipping the leveralong its longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, adjusting the vertical positioning of polished rodis accomplished be rotating a worm within the rotator to rotate therotator wheel threadedly engaged with the rod carrier. In someembodiments, the rotating of the worm is performed by an operatoradjusting a lever, the lever being functionally attached to rotate theworm. In some embodiments, the adjusting of the lever comprises flippingthe lever along its longitudinal axis to determine a direction ofrotation. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the removalof a clutch from the rotator prior to rotating the worm. In someembodiments, a cross member is used to prevent rotation of the polishedrod. In some embodiments, the cross member is extended to engageadjacent support cables to prevent rotation of the polished rod. In someembodiments, the method further comprises re-engaging the lockingmechanism between the rotator and the rod carrier; once a new, desired,vertical position of polished rod has been achieved.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a rotator is provided forsurrounding a rod carrier of an apparatus for adjusting the verticalposition of a polished rod of a pump, the rotator comprising: a wheeland a main thrust bearing, the wheel being in threaded connection withexternal threads of the rod carrier and supported by the main thrustbearing; wherein the rod carrier receives the polished rod therethrough,and the apparatus comprises means for fixing the rod carrier to thepolished rod; and wherein the rotation of the wheel relative to the rodcarrier results in vertical movement of the polished rod and wherein thevertical movement of the polished rod is accomplished withoutdisengaging the means for fixing the rod carrier to the polished rod.

In this way, the present disclosure describes apparatuses and methodsfor adjusting the vertical position of the sucker rod string withouthaving to break the connection between the polished rod and the rodcarrier while providing rotation to the polished rod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation, cross-section, view depicting an embodimentof an apparatus for rotating a string of sucker rods during theoperation of pumping equipment and vertical height adjustment of thesucker rod string, the section plane being parallel to the worm axis.

FIG. 2 is a partial, side elevation, cross-section, view of theembodiment shown in FIG. 1 with a lever, the section plane beingperpendicular to the worm axis.

FIG. 3 is a partial, top, cross-section, view, of the embodiment of arotator shown in FIG. 1, the section plane being through the worm axisand perpendicular to the polished rod axis.

FIG. 4 is a top, cross-section, view, of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective, view of the embodiment of a rotatorshown in FIG. 1 in the absence of the rod and rod carrier.

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded, perspective, view of the embodimentshown in FIG. 1, showing the rod and rod carrier.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation, cross-section, view depicting an embodimentof an apparatus for rotating a string of sucker rods during theoperation of pumping equipment and vertical height adjustment of thesucker rod string, the section plane being parallel to the worm axis.

FIG. 8 is a partial, side elevation, cross-section, view of theembodiment shown in FIG. 7 with a lever, the section plane beingperpendicular to the worm axis.

FIG. 9 is a partial, top, cross-section, view, of the embodiment of arotator shown in FIG. 7, the section plane being through the worm axisand perpendicular to the polished rod axis.

FIG. 10 is a top, cross-section, view, of the embodiment shown in FIG.7.

FIG. 11 is a top, plan, view, of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is an exploded, perspective, view of the embodiment of a rotatorshown in FIG. 7 in the absence of the rod and rod carrier.

FIG. 13 is a partially exploded, perspective, view of the embodimentshown in FIG. 7, showing the rod and rod carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Apparatuses and methods are provided to rotate a string of reciprocatingsucker rods of wellhead pumping equipment, where the apparatuses andmethods can also provide convenient and safe vertical positioningadjustment of the sucker rod string.

Terms such as ‘vertical’, as used herein, are understood to meanapproximate relative positions, and not words of precision.

In some embodiments, a tubular rod carrier, or spindle, can be fixed ina position on the polished rod. The rod carrier can have threads alongits external surface. A rotation unit can be threaded on the rod carrierto provide intermittent rotation as desired. The position of therotation unit on the rod carrier can be manipulated conveniently andsafely. By utilizing the arrangements as described herein, it can becomeunnecessary to break the connection between the polished rod and the rodcarrier to adjust the vertical position of the sucker rod string, as wasrequired in prior art inventions.

Referring now to FIG. 1, apparatus 10 for rotating a polished rod 14 andadjusting the vertical position of polished rod 14 is shown. In someembodiments, apparatus 10 can comprise a tubular rod carrier 12, whichcan be threaded on its external surface. A polished rod 14 can passthrough the rod carrier 12. In some embodiments, the position of the rodcarrier 12 on the polish rod 14 can be maintained through the use oflocking mechanisms, for example upper and lower taper-lock bushings 16,18. During a vertical adjustment, a cross member 20, such as a back-upwrench or spare piping 55, can be positioned over the upper taper-lockbushing and contact support cables 21, in order to prevent free rotationof the rod carrier 12 and polish rod 14. However, those with ordinaryskill in the art will understand that a plurality of other means may beused to ensure that the rod carrier 12 remains immovable with respect tothe polished rod 14, a traditional polished rod clamp 15 and safetyclamp 17 being included. Cross member 20 can be removable and/or absentduring normal operation, when a vertical adjustment is not being made,therefore allowing free rotation of the rod carrier 12 and polish rod14.

In some embodiments, rotator 35, surrounding rod carrier 12, can besupported by main crossbar 23, which can span between support cables 21,and can be supported by cable ends 33. Main crossbar 23 can be varied asdesired. In some embodiments, main crossbar 23 can be configured to bereduced in volume, reduced in mass, and/or reduced in manufacturingcost.

Within rotator 35, wheel 36 can be supported by a main thrust bearing25. In some embodiments, wheel 36 can be a worm wheel. Wheel 36 can alsoinclude a threaded core 56 for engaging and meshing with the externalthreads of rod carrier 12.

In some embodiments, main thrust bearing 25 can comprise cone 27 and cup29 components, as well as a cage and roller assembly 31. Main thrustbearing 25 can use spherical or tapered bearings, although it would beunderstood that functional equivalents could also be used.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a lever 24 can be provided in the depictedembodiment that can provide for manual rotation of the rod carrier 12and polished rod 14. In such an arrangement, the swinging moment oflever 24 can rotate worm 22. In some embodiments, the handle of lever 24can include a hole to which a rope can be tied. In some embodiments,handle of lever 24 can also be labelled in a manner to reflectorientation of lever 24. Accordingly, when attaching lever 24, it isoriented in the proper direction.

In some embodiments, a top cover 26 can be provided over casing 28. Athreaded spindle-locking nut 30 can be positioned between the worm wheel36 and top cover 26. In some embodiments, spindle-locking nut 30 can bea separate component from worm wheel 36. In some embodiments,spindle-locking nut 30 can be integral with worm wheel 36

In some embodiments, a stud 32 can be positioned from worm wheel 36,through threaded spindle-locking nut 30 and through top cover 26. A nut34 can be engaged with the upper portion of stud 32 through a threadedconnection. In some embodiments, the locking action can be achieved bytightening the nut 34, which can further increases the friction in thethreaded connection between the rod carrier 12 and threadedspindle-locking nut 30 thereby preventing unwanted movement between wormwheel 36 and rod carrier 12. Also, angular contact bearing 19 and mainthrust bearing 25 can ensure the integrity of apparatus 10 is maintainedduring normal operation, during height adjustment, as well as duringjarring, which is often induced in order to free stuck valves ofdownhole pumps. Those with ordinary skill in the art will understandthat a plurality of other known locking solutions used in the industryand can be applied here.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, a worm wheel 36 isprovided, which is shaped to be in meshing engagement with worm 22, saidworm 22 being connected to the lever 24 by the means of a one-way clutch40. In such an arrangement, the swinging movement of the lever 24 canproduce one-way indexing rotation of the worm 22 and correspondingone-way indexing rotation of the worm wheel 36.

At the opposite end of the worm 22, some embodiments can include apolished rod one-way clutch 42 to prevent unwanted movement of thepolished rod 14 in the counter-clockwise direction when looking down thewell. Some embodiments can operate without polished rod one-way clutch42, where the opposite end of the worm 22 can end in an engagement means43, such as a male hex to be engaged by the operator using a tool (forexample, a pneumatic tool, such as an air ratchet). Such means forengagement can also be in other forms, such as a female square, or otherfunctional equivalents.

Those with ordinary skill in the art will understand that a plurality ofdifferent ratcheting mechanisms and/or one-way clutches can be used toaccomplish the rotation of the polished rod and are not limited to theembodiments described herein.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 can include bearings 44, 46. Thesebearings can ensure geometrical positioning of the worm 22 with the wormwheel 36. FIG. 4 shows apparatus 10 in contact with support cables 21.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an exploded view of a rotator 35 embodiment ofapparatus 10 is shown. Some embodiments can also include splines on wormshaft 38 to keep it aligned in the rotational device and transferrotational movement from the lever 24 to worm 22. A pin 48 can beincluded in some embodiments to keep the lever 24 in position at the endof the worm shaft 38. In these embodiments, the pin 48 can be removed sothat the lever 24 can conveniently be taken off the end of the worm 22and be repositioned.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the polished rod 14 and rod carrier 12 can passthrough the rotator 35 in some embodiments such that swinging motion ofthe lever 24 can result in rotational movement of the polished rod 14.In some embodiments, locking nuts 50, 52 can be engaged with the rodcarrier 12 by threads. Clamping the locking nut 50, 52 and taper locks16, 18 by bolts 54 can prevent unwanted movement of the rod carrier 12with respect to polish rod 14.

Referring now to FIG. 7 to FIG. 13, further embodiments of apparatus 10and rotator are shown.

In some embodiments, standard polish rod clamps can be used as mainclamp 15 and/or safety clamp 17. Safety clamp 17 can remain stationaryand not be moved to provide safety. In the absence of a properlypositioned safety clamp 17, and when rod 14 is adjusted upwards, spindle12 can continue to move upward and if it goes too far, spindle 12 canthread it all the way out of rotator 35. In order to prevent suchdethreading, the distance from the lower edge of the main crossbar 23 totop of safety clamp 17, can be set so that safety clamp 17 can butt upagainst the bottom of the main crossbar 23, prior to the dethreading ofspindle 12, when rod 14 and spindle 12 are adjusted upwards. In someembodiments, a distance of five inches can be used, although it would beappreciated that other distances can be used as required.

Further, in some embodiments, cross member 20 can be truncated so as itdoes not engage support cables 21 directly, but cross member 20 can havearms configured to receive extension members 55, such as pieces of pipeavailable to the operator, that when disposed on cross member 20,extension members 55 can contact support cables 21. Such contact canthen allow for a height adjustment to be made will preventing orreducing rotation.

In some embodiments, a regular, non-angular, bearing assembly 19 ¹ canbe used rather than angular contact bearing 19. The bearings and bearingassemblies can be sealed and the cavity can be filled with greasethrough grease nipples 53. Further, in some embodiments, rotator 35 canbe sealed internally and grease nipples 53 can be used to fill in thecavity so the upper cavity is fully filled with grease. A grease outletcan be used with a plug, such that the cavity can be filled with greaseto the point that grease comes out of the outlet, and at that point, theplug can be inserted into the outlet. As rotator 35 can be rotating, thegrease can be distributed and spread throughout the unit. When bearings19, 19′ and rotator 35 cavities above and under the bearings 19, 19′ arefull of grease and sealed, traditional rotator contamination problemsare ameliorated.

Further, a load cell can be disposed on apparatus 10, in someembodiments, between the body of rotator 35 and crossbar 23. When usingprior art apparatuses and methods, an operator preforming a heightadjustment has to blindly guess the tap position of the sucker rodhitting bottom. According to the present disclosure, however, the loadcell can assist in finding and/or predicting the tap position byconverting an input of mechanical force into an electrical output signalwhich can be read as feed-back. The readings can change due to theweight of the rod and friction. Accordingly, the load cell can becalibrated and readings can be made that reflect the changes in themechanical input. In operation, one would bring the horsehead down, readthe load cell, and in combination with processing or analyzing the loadcell and readings thereof, systems and/or methods can be used to predictthe tap position so as to prevent damage to downhole equipment.

In some embodiments, the apparatus and methods are capable transmittingrotational movement to the polished rod 14 while offering a convenientand safe method of vertical height adjustment of the sucker rod string.

Initial vertical positioning of the polished rod 14 can be achieved in amanner similar to established practices in the industry. The rotatorassembly 35 can be mounted to the polished rod 14 by the means oftaper-lock bushings 16, 18 or other traditional methods. In the normalcourse, the rod carrier, polished rod 14, wheel 36, and main thrustbearing 25, can rotate together, simultaneously, and a vertical heightadjustment is not made.

For the purposes of periodic re-adjustments, however, using theapparatuses and methods as described herein, it is no longer necessaryto break the connection between the polished rod 14 and the rod carrier12. In operation, the apparatus 10 can be used to re-adjust the verticalheight of the sucker rod string by first releasing the locking nuts 34.Next, in some embodiments, a back-up wrench, spare pipe 55, cross member20, or other means can be used to prevent rotation of polished rod 14,while wheel 36 and main thrust bearing 25 continue to be free to rotate.To adjust the vertical positioning of polished rod 14, the worm 22 ofsome embodiments can be rotated in the desired direction, which willdepend on a combination of threads used, worm 22 handing, and relativeposition of the lever 24. If lever 24 is used to adjust the verticalpositioning, in some embodiments flipping the lever 24 along itslongitudinal axis can determine the direction of rotation.

In some embodiments, optional polished rod one-way clutch 42 can beremoved prior to height adjustment and replaced following the heightadjustment. To move polished rod 14 up, the operator can work the lever24. In some embodiments, when worm 22 is rotated in a clockwisedirection looking from the right, movement of polished rod 14 will beupwards and can be accomplished with lever 24. To move polished rod 14down, the opposite end of worm 22 can be worked the other way, forexample by using engagement means 43 and ratchet, and worm 22 is rotatedin a clockwise direction looking from the left, movement of polished rod14 will be downwards.

In some embodiments, lever 24 can be removed. Safety pin 48, and washer49 can be removed and, handle of lever 24 can be slid off. In suchembodiments, once pin 48 is removed, then worm 22 is moveable and can bemoved in either direction using engagement means on the far end of worm22. As such, using a socket and ratchet (for example, an air ratchet) onthis side, the operator can decide which way to adjust the height.

Without limitations, and for purpose of illustration only, if the worm22 and rod carrier 12 can be both threaded as “right-hand” and if theworm 22 is rotated clockwise looking at the lever-end as shown in theaccompanying figures, the worm-wheel 36 can rotate clockwise lookingfrom above. If rod carrier 12 is prevented from rotating around itsaxis, for example by the means of cross-member 20, the rod carrier 12can be forced to move upwards relative to the worm-wheel 36 and the mainthrust bearing 25. In a similar manner, if the worm 22 is rotatedcounter-clock-wise, the rod carrier 12 can be forced to move downwardsrelative to the worm-wheel 36 and the main thrust bearing 25.

Once a new, desired, vertical position of polished rod 14 has beenachieved, locking nuts 34 can be retightened to increase the frictionconnection between wheel 36 and rod carrier 12 and to prevent unwantedrelative movement between the rod carrier 12 and the worm wheel 36. Theback-up wrench 20, and/or pipe 55 (if used) can be removed, lever 24 andoptional one-way clutch 42 can be brought to original working positionsand operation of the pump can be resumed.

Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications might be made without departing from the scope of theinvention. The terms and expressions used in the preceding specificationhave been used herein as terms of description and not of limitation, andthere is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions ofexcluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portionsthereof, it being recognized that the invention is defined and limitedonly by the claims that follow. While the above description detailscertain embodiments of the invention and describes certain embodiments,no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can bepracticed in many ways. Details of the apparatuses and methods may varyconsiderably in their implementation details, while still beingencompassed by the invention disclosed herein. These and other changescan be made to the invention in light of the above description.

Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspectsof the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology isbeing redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodimentsdisclosed in the specification. Accordingly, the actual scope of theinvention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also allequivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.

The above description of the embodiments of the invention is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed above or to the particular field of usage mentioned in thisdisclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention,as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments.

While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certainclaim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of theinvention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventorsreserve the right to add additional claims after filing the applicationto pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of theinvention.

1. An apparatus for adjusting the vertical position of a polished rod ofa pump, the apparatus comprising: a tubular rod carrier for receivingthe polished rod therethrough, the rod carrier having external threads;means for fixing the rod carrier to the polished rod; and a rotatorsurrounding the rod carrier, the rotator comprising a wheel and a mainthrust bearing, the wheel being in threaded connection with the externalthreads of the rod carrier and supported by the main thrust bearing;wherein the rotation of the wheel relative to the tubular rod carrierresults in vertical movement of the polished rod and wherein thevertical movement of the polished rod is accomplished withoutdisengaging the means for fixing the rod carrier to the polished rod. 2.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the wheel is a worm wheel engaged by aworm.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for fixing the rodcarrier to the polished rod comprises a locking mechanism.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a taperlock.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the locking mechanismcomprises a polished rod clamp.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising an adjustment locking mechanism comprising a cross member toengage a support cable of pumping equipment.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2wherein the worm is functionally attached to a lever to allow anoperator to rotate the worm using the lever.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7wherein the rotator further comprises a ratchet mechanism positionedbetween the lever and the worm.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein therotator comprises an additional ratchet mechanism positioned proximatean end of the worm opposite of the lever.
 10. The apparatus of claim 2wherein the worm comprises a splined worm shaft.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the rotator comprises a casing to shelter the wheel.12. (canceled)
 13. A method for adjusting the vertical position of apolished rod of a pump, the method comprising: releasing a lockingmechanism between a rotator wheel and a rod carrier; holding thepolished rod in place to prevent rotation of the polished rod around itsvertical axis; and adjusting the vertical positioning of the polishedrod by rotating the rotator wheel in a desired direction; wherein thepolished rod and the rod carrier are not separated during the adjustmentof the vertical positioning of polished rod.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein: adjusting the vertical positioning of polished rod isaccomplished by rotating a worm to rotate the rotator wheel threadedlyengaged with the rod carrier.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein: therotating of the worm is performed by an operator adjusting a lever, thelever being functionally attached to rotate the worm.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein: the adjusting of the lever comprises flipping thelever along its longitudinal axis to determine a direction of rotation.17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: the removal of a clutchfrom the rotator prior to rotating the worm.
 18. The method of claim 13,wherein: a cross member is used to prevent rotation of the polished rod.19. The method of claim 15, wherein: the cross member is extended toengage adjacent support cables to prevent rotation of the polished rod.20. The method of claim 13, further comprising: re-engaging the lockingmechanism between the rotator and the rod carrier; once a new, desired,vertical position of polished rod has been achieved.
 21. A rotator forsurrounding a rod carrier of an apparatus for adjusting the verticalposition of a polished rod of a pump, the rotator comprising: a wheeland a main thrust bearing, the wheel being in threaded connection withexternal threads of the rod carrier and supported by the main thrustbearing; wherein the rod carrier receives the polished rod therethrough,and the apparatus comprises means for fixing the rod carrier to thepolished rod; and wherein the rotation of the wheel relative to the rodcarrier results in vertical movement of the polished rod and wherein thevertical movement of the polished rod is accomplished withoutdisengaging the means for fixing the rod carrier to the polished rod.